パレスチナを含む中東情勢に関する安保理公開討論における山﨑大使ステートメント

 
Thank you, Mr. President.
 
I thank CDC Rattray for his briefing on behalf of the Secretary-General.
 
More than nine months have passed since the outbreak of the devastating conflict in the Gaza Strip following the brutal acts of terror by Hamas and other militant groups.
 
Japan deeply regrets the heavy civilian casualties and destruction caused by the ongoing hostilities.
 
We are appalled that last Saturday, air strikes conducted by the IDF on a so-called safe-zone in al-Mawasi reportedly killed at least 90 people, and the next day UNRWA’s headquarters in Gaza was destroyed. Let me reiterate that all UN facilities, including UNRWA premises must be protected at all times.
 
These are just two notable examples of the many horrors happening regularly on the ground.
 
Mr. President,
 
All parties must strictly abide by the principles of international law, especially the protection of civilians. Hamas must stop using civilians as human shields.
 
We also have grave concerns about the nearly two million internally displaced Palestinians, many having been displaced multiple times with little or no access to food, clean water, medicine, and other basic human needs.
 
In this vein, it is alarming to see yet another evacuation order by Israel for Khan Yunis and Gaza City. There are no safe places in Gaza.
 
The killed, maimed, displaced, and struggling people are all human beings, not just numbers. Each of them has a life, family, dreams, and dignity.
 
Mr. President,
 
Japan takes note of Israel’s claim that they have made some progress to reduce civilian casualties and facilitate humanitarian assistance to Gaza, and we acknowledge Israel’s cooperation with Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator Sigrid Kaag and other humanitarian agencies.
 
But more must be done.    
 
Effective de-confliction mechanisms, reopening the Rafah crossing, full use of Ashdod port, and guaranteeing access and safety for UN and other humanitarian workers are all vital to accelerate necessary aid into and across Gaza.

The reality is that the breakdown of order is making all aid operations extremely difficult or nearly impossible.
 
Last month, the Security Council adopted resolution 2735 endorsing the three-stage proposal which would pave the way for the release of hostages and a sustainable ceasefire.
 
Japan strongly supports the critical and tireless mediation of the United States, Egypt and Qatar, and is encouraged to see a renewed diplomatic push toward an agreement.
 
We sincerely hope that both parties seize this precious momentum and reach a much-needed deal without further delay.
 
Mr. President,
 
Beyond Gaza, Japan condemns the recent decisions by the Government of Israel regarding settlement expansion in the West Bank as well as the rise in extremist settler violence.    
 
We call on Israel to reverse its decisions and prevent further violence immediately.
 
In addition, while Japan takes note of the latest transfers of parts of clearance revenues by Israel to the Palestinian Authority, we urge Israel to release all withheld revenues and take necessary measures to maintain economic stability in the West Bank.
 
Meanwhile, the escalation of hostilities along the Blue Line is also a matter of serious concern. Japan calls on both parties to exercise full restraint and cease hostilities based on resolution 1701.
 
To conclude, only a two-state solution with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security will finally resolve this decades-long conflict.
 
Japan remains steadfastly committed to achieving that goal.
 
I thank you, Mr. President.